be suffered to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be suffered to" is correct but somewhat archaic and less commonly used in modern written English.
It can be used in formal or literary contexts to indicate permission or allowance, often in a passive construction. Example: "He was suffered to remain in the room despite the objections of others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Why should the Palatine Boors be suffered to swarm into our settlements?" he asked, adding that they "will never adopt our Language or Customs".

The Economist

Mansfield's ruling on slavery in the "Somerset case" of 1772 reads: "It is so odious that nothing can be suffered to support it, but positive law".

The Guardian - Film

From London, Dartmouth concluded that a small force now, if put to the test, would be able to conquer them, with greater probability of success, than might be expected of a larger army, if the people should be suffered to form themselves upon a more regular plan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

a small force now, if put to the test, would be able to conquer them, with greater probability of success, than might be expected of a larger army, if the people should be suffered to form themselves upon a more regular plan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

George Mason, one of the most eloquent of the Framers, asked rhetorically during the Constitutional Convention, "Shall the man who has practiced corruption & by that means procured his appointment in the first instance, be suffered to escape punishment, by repeating his guilt?" As Sunstein told me, "If you procure your office by corrupt means, that would be an impeachable offense".

The New Yorker

He wanted to know, "Shall the man who has practised corruption, and by that means procured his appointment in the first instance, be suffered to escape punishment by repeating his guilt?" Benjamin Franklin, the oldest delegate, at eighty-one, ventured his wisdom.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The New York economy, far more dependent on Wall Street than other regions were, suffered to some extent.

The New York Times

It is not necessary to prove that harm was suffered to bring a claim, and is instead actionable per se.

Wikipedia

Farmers appeared to be more likely to be suffered from PTSD.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

There were further blows to be suffered.

The Guardian - Books

CH in monozygotic twins were also observed to be suffered from paroxysmal tachycardia [8 10].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be suffered to" sparingly and primarily in formal or historical writing to achieve a specific archaic tone. In contemporary contexts, consider more common alternatives like "be allowed to" or "be permitted to".

Common error

Avoid using "be suffered to" in everyday writing or conversation, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for more natural and contemporary alternatives to maintain clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be suffered to" is to form a passive construction indicating permission or allowance. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment, highlighting its use in expressing that someone is permitted to do something, as seen in examples where individuals or groups "be suffered to" perform a certain action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be suffered to" is a grammatically sound but somewhat archaic way to express permission or allowance. Ludwig confirms that it's correct but less common in contemporary English. Its usage is primarily found in formal contexts, such as news articles and encyclopedic entries. When considering alternatives, phrases like ""be permitted to"" or ""be allowed to"" often provide a more accessible and modern tone. Avoid overuse in casual writing to maintain clarity and avoid sounding pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be permitted to

This alternative conveys a similar meaning of formal allowance or authorization, often by a higher authority. It's a direct replacement with very similar register.

be allowed to

A more common and less formal way to indicate permission. It is generally interchangeable but lacks the archaic tone.

have permission to

A straightforward expression of having received consent to do something. Less formal than "be suffered to".

be given leave to

Implies a formal granting of permission, often in professional or military contexts. Suggests a specific exception is being made.

be authorized to

Suggests a formal endorsement or empowerment to perform a specific action. Highlights the legitimacy of the action.

be sanctioned to

Indicates official approval or endorsement, often with a moral or ethical dimension. Carries a strong sense of legitimacy.

be entitled to

Indicates a right or legal entitlement to something. Focuses on inherent rights rather than granted permission.

be countenanced to

This suggests tacit approval or tolerance, without explicit endorsement. It implies overlooking something that might otherwise be opposed.

be enabled to

This suggests that the ability to perform an action is being facilitated or made possible, often through specific means.

be given the green light to

An idiomatic way to indicate that approval has been granted to begin a project or activity. More informal and less direct than "be suffered to".

FAQs

What does "be suffered to" mean?

The phrase "be suffered to" means to be allowed or permitted to do something, typically implying a formal or historical context. It's an archaic way of expressing permission.

What are some alternatives to "be suffered to"?

You can use alternatives like "be permitted to", "be allowed to", or "be given leave to", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "be suffered to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "be suffered to" is grammatically correct, but it is considered an older and less common construction. It follows the passive voice structure and is typically used in formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "be suffered to"?

It is appropriate to use "be suffered to" when you want to create an archaic or formal tone, such as in historical fiction, legal documents, or when quoting historical texts. However, in most contemporary contexts, it is better to use more common alternatives for clarity.